Colts making major change for Week 9

Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts are making a major change in the wake of their loss to the Houston Texans.

Joe Flacco will start for the Colts over Anthony Richardson in the team’s Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings, according to multiple reports.

A QB change for the Colts: Indianapolis is benching former first-round pick Anthony Richardson and turning to veteran Joe Flacco, sources tell @FowlerESPN and me. Coaches met this morning and made the seismic organizational decision to change QBs. pic.twitter.com/uqANJwOwr4

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2024

Colts head coach Shane Steichen was asked on Monday if Richardson would remain the starting quarterback going forward. His response made it obvious that a change was being considered.

Richardson went just 10/32 for 175 yards, a touchdown and an interception in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to Houston. He was also criticized for subbing himself out in a crucial moment late in the game.

The Colts are 4-4 and still have playoff aspirations. They obviously feel Flacco gives them a better chance to win. The 39-year-old veteran played in three games earlier this season while Richardson was hurt. The Colts went 1-1 in Flacco’s starts and won the game in which he replaced Richardson. Flacco has 716 passing yards, 7 touchdowns and an interception on the year.

Richardson has made 10 starts across his two NFL seasons. He has completed just 44.4% of his passes this year and 50.2% overall.